Mavericks schedule lookahead: Ranking this week's games by level of importance

The Dallas Mavericks are tied for seventh in the Western Conference on the morning of March 12, but there is zero separation in the standings. The LA Clippers in fifth are three games up on the Oklahoma City Thunder for 12th with six teams in-between fighting for positioning. The Warriors and Lakers are the only two teams with winning records over their last ten games in that group.

The crowded standings add importance to every game. Dallas is hoping to avoid the Play-In Tournament, but things are not trending up. Both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving missed Saturday’s loss to the Grizzlies with injuries. The Mavs are hopeful both will be short absences, but they cannot afford to sit out or Dallas will lose ground in the standings.

The Mavericks have just three games this week, and none of them will be easy. Here are the games ranked by level of importance.

Mavericks schedule lookahead: Ranking this week's games by level of importance

Must-win: Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs

When: Wednesday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. CT

The Spurs are 17-49 and have been eliminated from postseason contention. They are in the race for Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio currently has the third-worst record in the league, but the flattened lottery odds give them a 14 percent chance at the top pick. The Spurs are 3.5 back of the Hornets for the fourth-worst record, so they have no reason to lose every game.

The Dallas Mavericks need this victory. They dominated the Spurs on Feb. 23 in the first win in the Luka and Kyrie era. Every game matters and Dallas needs to take care of a rebuilding team that is not pushing for the postseason.

Important: Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks

When: Monday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN

The Mavs face the Grizzlies two Mondays in a row after losing to Memphis on March 11. Both teams were shorthanded on Saturday night and are likely to stay that way through all three meetings. Can Dallas get some revenge on March 13 at the American Airlines Center?

This game will hinge on the health of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. If one of the Mavericks' superstars plays, they will be heavily favored over the Grizzlies without Ja Morant. Will Luka’s thigh allow him to return on Monday? How bad is Kyrie’s foot injury? Stay tuned for the latest.

Most important: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers

When: Friday, March 17 at 9:30 p.m. CT on NBA TV

Friday’s meeting with the Lakers virtually counts for two games in the standings. The Mavericks and Lakers are separated by just half a game and would both be part of the Play-In Tournament if the season ended today. Both are looking to move into the top six, and losing this game will severely hurt one of their chances.

The Lakers will be without LeBron James, but that has not stopped them. LA is 7-3 in their last ten games, and they are heating up. Can the Mavs cool them off at Crypto.com Arena?

The Dallas Mavericks need every win, so every game is massive down the stretch. Can they get back on track this week? Stay tuned to find out.